Garabandal, a small town in northern Spain, has been in the spotlight since four girls claimed to have had apparitions of the Virgin Mary in the 1960s. These apparitions have generated great interest and controversy within the Catholic Church and among the faithful. This article examines the current situation of Garabandal and the position of the Catholic Church regarding these events.
Background of Garabandal
Between 1961 and 1965, four girls from Garabandal (Conchita, Jacinta, Mari Loli and Mari Cruz) claimed to have had numerous apparitions of the Virgin Mary and the Archangel Saint Michael. During these apparitions, the Virgin would have given them messages addressed to humanity, warning about the need for repentance and conversion.
Initial Investigations
The Catholic Church, faithful to its prudence, began a series of investigations to determine the authenticity of the apparitions. The Diocesan Commission of Santander, in charge of the investigation, concluded in 1967 that there was insufficient evidence to confirm the super naturality of the events. However, the Church has not declared the events to be false, but that they have found no conclusive proof.
In fact, Bishop Vilaplana, successor of Bishop Juan Antonio del Val, asked Cardinal Ratzinger (then prefect of the Doctrine of the Faith), to declare that “the super naturality is NOT proven.” The future Pope Benedict XVI refused to do so, and told the Bishop that in any case the correct expression was that “the super naturality is NOT proven.” This expression is the one that reflects the current position of neutrality.
Current Position of the Church
To date, the official position of the Catholic Church remains cautious. There has been no definitive statement approving or condemning the Garabandal apparitions. In 1987, the then Bishop of Santander, Juan Antonio del Val Gallo, allowed further study of the events and authorized private, but not public, worship at Garabandal.
Pope John Paul II, Padre Pio, and other members of the clergy have shown personal interest and support for the events at Garabandal, although without an official statement. Today, many faithfuls continue to visit Garabandal, hoping for the fulfillment of the prophecies associated with the apparitions.
“In view of the irregularities in the previous ecclesiastical trials on Garabandal, with the support of Cardinal Ratzinger, future Pope Benedict XVI, a diocesan commission was organized which expressed its neutral opinion on April 26, 1991.
Although on November 28, 1992, Ratzinger asked the bishop of Santander to publish this declaration of neutrality, successive bishops have not done so solemnly, but only in messages addressed to individuals.” (El Debate)
The Role of the Visionaries
The girls who witnessed the apparitions have led discreet lives. Conchita Gonzalez, the main visionary, lives in the United States and maintains a reserved position on the events, although she continues to affirm their veracity. The other visionaries have also maintained an attitude of faith and humility, awaiting the definitive judgment of the Church.
Impact on the Community of the Faithful
Garabandal remains a place of pilgrimage for thousands of people seeking a spiritual experience and a deeper encounter with their faith. Despite the lack of official recognition, the fervor and devotion of the faithful has not diminished.
The current situation of Garabandal remains in a state of expectation. The Catholic Church, through its investigations and prudence, remains without issuing a definitive verdict on the apparitions. Meanwhile, the faith and devotion of the pilgrims continue to be a testimony to the profound impact these events have had on the lives of many.
The story of Garabandal reminds us of the importance of patience and prayer in waiting for the truth, as well as the need to maintain faith and devotion in the midst of uncertainty.
